Winkler Co-op saw a strong year of operation last year, but fell slightly short of 2015 growth.

General Manager George Klassen notes sales were down in 2016 due to the declining price of crude oil.

In 2016 Winkler Co-op saw savings of $700,000 combined with the Federated Co-op allocation of $3.5 million for a net savings of just over $4.17 million.

However, despite fierce new competition in the local food, fuel, convenience stores and clothing sectors, he says the local co-operative continues to hold its own.

"Because of all the new competition in town, food sales held firm, but we did not have increases," he says.

The organization provides a number of services in the area including agriculture products and services, fuel, groceries, restaurants, appliances and electronics.

Recent additions include the new Morden Gas Bar featuring 16 filling stations on the historic corner at Thornhill and 1st St.

Many grew up going for ice cream at the location once known for Tasti's, before that Buhrs. "We realized that an era had come to an end," Klassen says. Co-op purchased four different properties to build the gas bar

Co-op has also purchased four acres directly to the north of the Morden Co-op store with plans for commercial development.

"Our main investments into the community the last couple of years have worked out very well for us," Klassen says.

The new gas bar built on Main St. in Winkler in 2014 was "an instant success," he says.

Winkler Co-op@Home appliance and electronic store also recently added a large furniture expansion, "we're very happy with how that is working out."

Rounding out their long-term plans Co-op also added an additional Agro Site in Morden.

"Early indications are it's definitely an asset the Morden community is appreciating," Klassen says.

The co-operative has 15,875 members who saw just over $2 million in equity in October

Along with Winkler Co-op celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, 2017 also marks a milestone for Klassen. After nearly 47 years with Co-op, close to 29 with the Winkler branch, Klassen has decided to retire.

"You always want to leave on a good note when things are in good shape, and they are," he says.

Klassen had a number of long-range plans he hoped to accomplish before retiring, including providing food, fuel and agriculture services to all members in their areas of operation.

The new agro site and gas bar in Morden rounded out the last items on his wish list.

"That area was done, so I thought it seemed like the right time," he says.

"It's no secret, I'm a firm believer in the co-op system, how it works," Klassen says. "Because it's owned by the community the benefits that are derived from a locally owned co-op are huge."

The locally owned company has 15,875 members who saw just over $2 million in equity in last October.

Klassen recently accepted the 2017 P.W Enns Business Award for Business Excellence on behalf of Winkler Co-op. In his speech, Klassen said when a community sets its sight on a goal "they can move mountains,"

In the last ten years, the cooperative has given $30 million to members. During the same time, $2 million has been donated to local organizations.

"I'm just extremely proud of how much this organization has given back to the community," he says.

Another point of pride for Klassen is the number of people employed and who find training at the co-op.

Winkler Co-op employs anywhere from 230-250 people depending on the time of year and the number of seasonal positions.

The new Morden Co-op Gas Bar